Deputy Jackie Cahill supports changes to the Beef Emergency Aid Measure scheme

"The Minister has put forward a strong case to the Commission seeking a new 12-month reference period of 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 for those farmers who require further time." - Deputy Jackie Cahill

Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary, Jackie Cahill has welcomed the case made by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD to the European Commission seeking changes to the Beef Emergency Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme.

Deputy Cahill said he understands that a cohort of farmers are not on course to meet the 5% nitrogen reduction aspect of the scheme and have been raising their concerns with him.

The Tipperary TD commented: “I have been listening to farmers who are currently facing a penalty for not reaching their targets. I have been working with my Party colleague, Minister Charlie McConalogue to address this issue.

The Chairperson of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Marine wrote to the Minister stating the committee’s opinion that an online bidding process would not be viable under Level 5 restrictions. Cahill has requested that marts be allowed meet in person, with a maximum of 20 people allowed enter for bidding purposes, as broadband in many parts or rural Ireland does not have the capacity for marts to operate online, as was hoped under Level 5.

Tipperary TD, Deputy Jackie Cahill

“As it stands, applicants have until 30th June to reach their reduction target and the Minister has put forward a strong case to the Commission seeking a new 12-month reference period of 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 for those farmers who require further time.

“Although the European Commission is not guaranteed to grant the extension, I can assure farmers, that I am working with Minister McConalogue, and we are doing all that we can on this issue. We are listening to, and engaging with, farmers on the issue and we are working with the Commission exploring whether any fair and proportionate options are available to help affected farmers in Tipperary in a fair way,” concluded Deputy Cahill.